Ann Clwyd on Iraqi history and the future

The Prime Ministers Special Envoy on Human Rights in Iraq Ann Clwyd recently made a splendid speech in the Commons in which she argued with passion that we need to look at the best ways of helping the people of Iraq rather than continually harking back to the past.

She also says - Since 2003, I agree that Iraq has gone through some terrible times. Insurgent groups have used violence and terrorism to try to stop democratic progress and to drag Iraq into the abyss of sectarian hatred and bloodshed. I have always believed, however, that the wisdom and ingenuity of the Iraqi people would win out and that Iraq could and would become a functioning democracy. Iraq has come a long way since 2003 and it has made real progress.

She concludes that - I know that as our military support to Iraq draws down, our work to support the growth of civil society and a culture of human rights will continue. I am hopeful that in 10 years’ time, Iraq will be a country where all of us, if we want to, can go on holiday in safety and that we will see a much-strengthened Iraqi democracy to which we have done much to contribute.